Arts
Renzi Artwork Saved. Owner to Donate to City of Fresno.
A famed Fresno art installation that survived a fire but was severely damaged by vandalism has found a new owner — the city of Fresno.
The art’s owner — the Fagbule family — will donate the 288-bas relief tile “A Day in the Park” by the late Clement Renzi to Fresno, City Attorney Andrew Janz told GV Wire.
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The art was on the side of the Fagbule Glass House, a one-time party hall at Shields Avenue across the street from the Manchester Center mall. The pandemic essentially shut down the building, and owners experienced problems with the homeless and vandals.
The building was gutted by fire on Jan. 30, but “A Day in the Park” survived. City crews placed a tarp over the art to preserve the piece. It barely lasted a day, torn down as quickly as it went up.
Vandals spray-painted over the Renzi artwork, ruining it. The city sent several code enforcement inspectors to the Fagbule Glass House site, finding the owners never properly cleaned up the remnants of the fire.
The city took over the final demolition last month, hiring art specialists to preserve the Renzi. Last week, crews were spotted taking the art apart, tile by tile.
A city of Fresno worker removes the art installation “A Day in the Park.” (City of Fresno)
Details of Donation
Janz said the city will waive any inspection fees and costs associated with the demolition efforts, approximately $40,000. The city council will still have to formally approve the contract turning over the artwork to the city.
The city will also erect a plaque recognizing the Fagbule family that will be placed near where the artwork winds up.
Where the Renzi will eventually wind up is still to be determined, Janz said. During city budget hearings last week, both the airport and Roeding Park were listed as potential locations.
When the building opened in 1982 as a bank, it commissioned the Fresno-based artist for the piece. His sculptures and other art pieces are displayed worldwide.
A formal announcement will be made at 9 a.m. Tuesday in downtown Fresno.
The city removed tiles of the Renzi artwork from its former location last week. (City of Fresno)
